Samba queen, 7, distressed in Rio limelight

A TEARFUL seven-year-old Carnival queen led exuberant drummers through the Sambadrome stadium, in a distressed state that may add to controversy over whether a tiny child should perform such a high-pressure, sexually charged role.

Julia Lira emerged blinking into the bright lights and deafening fireworks of the Sambadrome and soon burst into tears as photographers and reporters scrummed around her before her samba group started its parade.

Wearing a short purple dress, a sequined halter and a silver tiara, Lira shyly remained silent in the face of reporters’ questions and then, clearly upset, had to be comforted by her father and other performers as the tears flowed.